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All articles and comments by JE Grant unless otherwise noted.
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Saturday, November 25, 2006

November gave us some clear answers and some fuzzy questions about where the division will go next year.

Wladimir Klitschko separated himself from the rest of the division with a blow out of the talented Calvin Brock. His combination of power, speed, and boxing skills is unmatched in the division. While his chin will always be questioned, it will take a big hitter to even have a chance. No one will outbox him.

Shannon Briggs made the most of his long-awaited shot but just in the nick of time. Far behind in the fight, Briggs stopped Serguei Liakhovich in the waning seconds of the final round. Let’s be honest, neither man looked like a world beater. Lots of posing and not a lot of punching.

Oleg Maskaev will hopefully end his defense against Peter Okhello early enough that it allows him to return to action soon --- against a qualified challenger. It seems that the sanctioning bodies are doing everything in their power to out-stupid each other and the sanctioning of this title bout is this month’s WBC contribution.

In the 25th spot on this list you’ll see the name Alexander Povetkin. Go ahead and throw your stones --- I know it’s risky putting a 9-0 fighter in the top 25. The former Olympic gold medal winner has the ability, if the not the track record, to contend for a top spot soon.

Many thanks to Brian Bizzack and Troy Ondrizek for their early warning systems that alert us all to what’s happening in the division.

* * *

1. Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine – IBF Champion (Last month #1) The big man left no doubts about who rules the division. The alphabet titles are meaningless in the equation. Knocking out Calvin Brock is a significant milestone in the Manny Steward-induced reclamation of Klitschko’s career. He has power in both hands, speed to burn, and a jab that only a top fighter can work himself through. Look for the other alphabet boys to hide behind their alphabet “mandatories” for some time to come.

2. Samuel Peter, Nigeria (Last month #4) Peter will face James Toney in January following the disgusting WBC’s rematch edict. He should be fighting Maskaev instead. Nonethless, getting past Toney won’t be easy unless he learned from their first meeting. I would urge him to end matters by pressing his power and not trying to figure out the boxing master.

3. James Toney, USA (Last month #5) Sam Peter represents his only obstacle to yet another attempt at heavyweight belt. Will he be a well-conditioned version or the tubby guy who showed up last time? We are hesitant to say this is his last chance should he lose because the WBC is involved but it will prove difficult to advance again given his age. So, it’s now or never……maybe.

4. Oleg Maskaev, Uzbekistan / USA – WBC Champion (Last month #6) The clock is ticking for his showdown with the Peter Okhello. Don’t you feel the tingle? Let’s get this joke over with in a hurry.

5. Nicolay Valuev, Russia – WBA Champion (Last month #9) Scheduled to go against an as yet to be named opponent in January, possibly in Sweden. It looks like his people want to keep him under wraps as long as possible. Don’t expect to see him to show up at a Klitschko press conference – or any press conference – to call out anyone. We’ll just wait and see if he really faces the rugged Ruslan Chagaev, the supposed “mandatory” challenger.

6. Shannon Briggs, USA – WBO Champion (Last month #13) Briggs came into his match with a lot of baggage --- and a lot of extra weight --- and it nearly cost him. But, give him credit, he powered home a knockout and he left the arena with a belt. Many will be skeptical about the length of his title reign, but for now he can celebrate a big win.

7. Serguei Liakhovich, Belarus – (Last month #2) Last month we said that a loss against Shannon Briggs would make his title-winning effort against Brewster seem illusionary. It’s not quite that bad – he was winning going into the last round – but he is now way back in the line for the big dollar matches.

8. Hasim Rahman, USA – (Last Month #7) He figures to gain some big paydays as the former champion. Still rated in everyone’s top ten, he’ll make a substantial amount as a stepping stone. We don’t see him wearing a world title belt again.

9. Sultan Ibragimov, Russia (Last month #10) He’s supposedly now the mandatory for the new titlist Briggs. But, don’t count on it happening just yet. If there’s bigger money to be made look for Briggs to go elsewhere. Oh, and by the way, Briggs is promoted by Don King and Ibragimov is not.

10. Calvin Brock, USA (Last month #3) A loss to Klitschko is no great shame. In fact, Brock may still be the second best heavyweight – we can’t be sure until we see him in action again. He had his moments but he was just a bit short in power, speed, and size.

11. Ray Austin, USA (Last month #11) His July draw with Ibragimov has led to a possible “mandatory” shot for Ibragimov in the WBO. But, presto Austin has suddenly emerged as a “mandatory” in the IBF. Neither fighter really rates a mandatory challenge. Isn’t it just plain silly that two fighters who scored a draw with each other in their last bout are mandatory challengers anywhere?

12. Lamon Brewster, USA (Last month #8) No word on the former titlist. Of course his former title has now changed hands again. Soon, the memory of the exciting Brewster will fade.

13. Ruslan Chagaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #14) Welcome to the big leagues. The November decision win over Der Huggmeister John Ruiz in Germany means the Uzbeki is supposed to be next in line for Valuev. Don’t believe it until you see them climbing through the ropes.

14. John Ruiz, USA (Last month #12) Another split decision, another loss. Ruslan Chagaev squeeks past the “Quiet Man” to quietly proceed to a match with Valuev. Always keep in mind that weird things have happened in the past when Ruiz has lost – let’s not count him out of the picture until he announces his retirement and then wait for six months.

16. Matt Skelton, England (Last month #17) Though not highly rated by the alphabets, if he can defeat Audley Harrison in December do not be surprised to see him in some kind of title fight. British audiences are big.

17. Jameel McCline, USA (Last month #18) The consistent campaigner has to be disappointed that Superfighter fell by the wayside. He had a real chance at the big money. Time to regroup and make a final push in the twilight of his career.

18 Danny Williams, England (Last month #19) Last we heard he was looking for a British title shot against Scott Gammer.

19. David Tua, New Zealand (Last month #22) – A rusty version of the Tuaman took seven rounds to dispose of last ditch sub Maurice Wheeler (now 10-9-1). Tua fought only twice in 2006. He’ll have to step up the pace and competition if he really wants another go at the top.

21. Tony Thompson, USA (Last month #21) Yet another big American who scored a substantial victory – for him it was a June win over Dominick Guinn – and then had a period of inactivity. I don’t get it.

22. Vladimir Virchis, Ukraine (Last month #23) Scheduled to defend his EBU title in January against journeyman Russian Dennis Bakhtov. At age 33, he needs to pick up the competition level soon.

23 Alexander Dimitrenko, Ukraine (Last month #24) – Oddly, he blew out Gonzalo Omar Basile in one round in October but was extended 12 full rounds against journeyman Billy Zumbrun in a stay-busy fight in November. While the scores were thoroughly lopsided, decision victories over fighters at the club level make us wonder about his power.

24. Eddie Chambers, USA (Last month #25) Recent sparring with the best heavyweight in the world, Wladimir Klitshcko, will surely help in his rise to top ten status.

25. Alexander Povetkin, Russia (Last month unranked) – We’re obviously going out on a limb by putting in a 9-0 fighter in the top 25. Povetkin may just be that good. Of course in facing journeyman Imanu Mayfield he’s not going to thoroughly inspire the boxing world. What should inspire us about this former Olympic gold medal winner is an abundance of talent in all facets of the game. He’ll emerge soon enough as a top ten performer.

*************************************************************************Prospects, fringe contenders, and others who need mentioning listed in no particular order. Don’t read the fact that they are listed here as an indication a ranking is imminent. Regular readers should also note that I’ve taken off some names that were here in months past who still rate attention. We're highlighting activity and when potentially top fighters have bouts scheduled you’ll likely see them reappear.*************************************************************************

Fres Oquendo, USA (Last month #16) Oquendo gave away his last opportunity by standing around and doing soooooooooooo little against Holyfield. Some ringside observers thought Oquendo did enough to eke out the decision but no one left convinced that he did so with emphasis. You can’t lose to a 44 year-old shell of a former champion and expect to go anywhere. Fres is out.

Evander Holyfield, USA – Okay, some will say that since he beat a rated fighter that he deserves to be rated once again. All the fight with Oquendo proved is that neither man belongs in the ring with the top fighters of the division. The qualities of slow and easy to hit are a potentially lethal combination. Please don’t let him near Klitschko.

Chris Byrd, USA – I’ve received many emails wondering why Chris is out of the top 25. Had he elected to continue campaigning in the division he would certainly rate a slot in the top 25 – but he has stated his intention to go to the cruiserweight division. He’ll also participate in the so-called “Superfighter” tournament if and when it ever occurs.

Travis Walker, USA – “Freight Train” Walker, 22-0-1, captured a majority decision over fellow unbeaten former Olympian Jason Estrada in November. The unusual meeting of two young heavyweights served as a significant venue for both. Walker is now primed to face a rated fighter, though he still has much to prove. Solid win.

Roman Greenberg, England (via Israel) – A knockout win over Alexei Varakin in November precedes his move to America. He’s already scheduled for a December date in Florida.

Chris Arreola, USA – Arreola scored a big win by stopping fellow unbeaten Damian Wills on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather – Carlos Baldomir. Now 18-0 (16 KOs), you can expect to see him in a significant bout soon.

Albert Sosnowski, Poland – The Pole moved to 39-1 (23 KOs) beating Lawrence Tauasa in South Africa to win an obscure alphabet belt.

Oleg Platov, Ukraine – The Belgium-based 23 year-old pounded out a 12-round split vote over the former WBO titlist, 41 year-old Henry Akinwande in Germany. It’s hard to know how much this win tells us given the advanced age of Akinwande, but it represents clearing a hurdle that is a requirement of an up-and-coming potential contender. Platov moves to 23-1 (19 KOs).

74 Comments:

Boy, you had you're work cut out for you this month, JE. For perhaps the first time, there alot here that I disagree on. However -- they are all pretty minor, really. (I think so-an-so should be a few slots higher, and so-an-so a few lower, and so on.)Generally speaking the list is solid. Not generally speaking, it is period. However, you may have finally given me an opportunity to pick away at it a bit, albeit slightly...;-)

Actually, there is one here that is a bit more than minor; Brewster J.E. (You don't even have this guy in the top-10???) J.E, once again, it hasn't been THAT long since he last fought. I know you like activity - as do I - but it has been barely over half-a-year since he last fought. And he had an injury. Give the guy at least a few more months. And I would give him up to a full year before actually dropping him from the rankings. (I have would have Brewster clearly in my top-10, and possibly even my top-5.) He lost a good, tough, relatively close fight last time out against a guy who you still have in your top-10, and guess what? He BEAT your/our (and about everyone elses) #1 hvy on the planet! I also think Brock is a bit too low. He was an undefeated fighter, and lost to the absolute best currently out there, and gave him a pretty good-go. I had the fight 4-2 or 3-3 at the time of the TKO.

Ehh...Valuev is a bit too high, Peter a bit too high, and Chagaev perhaps a bit too low. And where is Boytsov in the "On the fringes"? He should ALWAYS be there. Oh...J.E...Ohh...*Reaches for Dramamine, Excedrin, hard liquor, and strong inhalants of some type...*

Alright...Other than perhaps Brewster, these are all admittedly minor gripes. I only bring this up because I care. This hurts me - more than it does you J.E...*Reaches for a doppelbock...No, let's make that a triplebock...Just as long as it's not a Calvinbrock...*

As it relates to Valuev's position........he continues to clean out the division's underbrush (fringe contenders) Beck, Barrett, Donald, and even a higher rated fellow named Ruiz. He isn't a skilled guy but 45-0 is, well, 45-0.......and he probably won't be trampled by most of this list.

I really don't think that fight took alot out of him, J.E. At least not physically. I know he's not exactly a 'spring chicken' though, and may have a bit of a hard time getting back into it 100% mentally. I don't know. But he is a guy that had taken very little punishment up until that point.

Also, I won't mince words here; the big lummox is just getting to close to the #1 spot and the 50-0 mark for my liking J.E. And it sounds like he will be fighting a "Swedish pastry" in January. (With the possible exception of Johansen, nothing good ever comes out of - or happens in - Sweden as it pertains to Boxing, J.E. This is not a knock on the country or it's people, just a fact.) I don't know...Once again, I have him in my top-10, so it's not like were 'world's apart' here. (It just looks as if Valuev will be 'Sweden's apart' for a while...;-(

...But you have Albert Sosnowski and Oleg Platov in there? Ah, that's a bunch of rubbish J.E. It's not as if Boytsov is going to retire at 20 or take a year off, barring serious injury. Boytsov at least represents hope and potential. Most of the other guys in there...Really don't.

I haven't heard ANYTHING on the opponent in Sweden J.E. And that...Is a bit of a frightening thing...

We should probably 'tweak' the fringes section a bit and sneak in a couple of names like the following: Malik Scott (I know, his career appears to have three gears; low, stop, and 'neutral'.) And perhaps a guy who I am a bit 'intrigued' by (yes, really only slightly 'intrigued') in Kevin Johnson. He has alot to work on, but I like his natural physical attributes/tools, and his relative youth as well.

I have a feeling the Sosnowski and Platov are going to have a short-lived stay. I fully expect that Boytsov will be in the actual top 25 within a year. Remember the list below the top 25 is just for mentioning guys who need to be mentioned at the moment.

...Speaking of another Johnson (and one who had some talent) I heard Kirk Johnson recently had a fight in his first comeback from that injury. He beat some journeymen up in Canada. I know he is SORELY lacking in the intangibles, but he may still be young enough to where he can make a little noise. Same with Tua. Also -- what is the latest on Mesi? He is supposed to be making a somewhat 'major move' here pretty soon. Mesi isn't at all a bad hvy...He's just not that good of one either.

Boytsov needs to be mentioned at all moments J.E. ("Boytsov, Boytsov, Boytsov..") Top-of-the-mind awareness Mr.Grant. Albert Sosnowski? Bottom-of-the-mind awareness Mr.Grant. He may be able to possibly beat young Denis at this stage, but I have seen him (once) fight. He has very little long-range potential and upside. Really, nothing more than a good journeymen, despite his impressive (on the surface) W-L ledger.

There's nothing on BoxRec about Kirk. I'll believe he really wants the big time when I see what he looks like the next time he climbs back into the ring. I agree about Tua -- in fact I think with a couple of wins he could be a title challenger.

I'm afraid for Mesi. I think he is a great guy and will be great calling blow-by-blow for HBO or Showtime. In his comeback fights he just hasn't looked right. I don't know if it is the weight or the injury. My instinct tells me that something bad is lurking there.

BTW - If this fellow Okhello is any kind of HUGE underdog (10-1+ aprx) I may put a few dead presidents on him. It's not that I think Okhello is a good hvy (he is merely a decent one, and nothing more) or that he will win, but as much as I admire Oleg...I think he is VERY beatable. (i.e. it would surprise if Okhello won, but not shock me.)

P.S - Wlodzaryck won a close and hard-to-score split decision over Cunnningham tonight. So how many IBF 'world champs' are there now at 200?

Well, I'm back for a few. I'm waiting for my buddy to get here. I don't really like him sometimes, but I've known him for almost 30 years. Old friends are worth keeping around whether you like them or not, I suppose. You know, it's kinda like - Go to other people's funerals, or else they won't come to yours. Besides, the poor sap just found his wife cheating on him, and I feel a bit bad for him. How did he find out? A picture on his computer and on the world wide internet. Sheesh...Welcome to the 21st century, eh? Me...I'm too smart (or paranoid) for the marriage thing folks...*Puffs on pipe*...

Alright, sorry for getting a bit off track there. Did you here Hopkins is coming out of retirement? I don't know if he is 100% serious or just jerking the media around (I don't think so, but he kinda likes doing that sometimes) but he now says he is out of retirement - will face anyone between 168 and 175 - and may even fight another 3 or 4 years. He may in fact be able to do this with his skill, defense, and chin...But I wish he would retire on top. 168 & 175 is now looking pretty loaded though, with guys like Calzaghe, Taylor, Kessler, Adamek, *Hopkins, and a young guy I think may be tops...Chad Dawson.

BTW - While I'm at it...Who do you think wins the MEGA-fight in May at 154 between ODLH and Mayweather? (At 154, I think it's about a tossup. I'm thrilled this fight is happening though. This is a fight boxing really needs I.M.O. One that appeals strongly to both the hardcore fan, and the casual fan.)

Roman Greenberg will be taking on Steve Panell (35-10 w/28 KO's) Dec.16th in Florida. Panell - while sporting a somewhat impressive victory - is indeed nothing more than a journeymen. He is also now 40 yrs. old. He has fought some top-level guys(Klitschko, Rahman, Mercer, Bergeron, etc.) and not fared well when he's made that jump. But he has fared well against at the club-level. He's not very good, but he CAN indeed punch a little. No doubt. I guess you could kind of compare him to a taller Vinny Maddolone type. Greenberg should no doubt win here, and probably in easy fashion.

* He has restated that 2007 will indeed be the year that he makes a significant 'jump up'. As a matter of fact, I would expect his next fight (late winter or early spring) to represent a definite jump up of sorts.

I just caught a clip of Greenbergs last fight, and he had better shape up a little. He was clearly not in the best of condition, rusty, and boy did it show. And at 230, he was also just plain a bit too heavy as well. I think Greenberg should be 220, maybe 225 absolute tops. Or at the very least a better-conditioned 230 perhaps. Despite being relatively/semi tall for a hvy at 6'3", he'll never exactly be a 'body beautiful' or chiseled like a Boytsov (R.G is built more along the lines of a Povetkin) but he didn't look good visually or pugilistically here in this one. At all. He looked tired, sloppy, out of shape, and just not himself.

Valuev-McCline January 20th. Hmm...You know, Jameel nothing great, and is getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, but this one...I actually find kind of interesting. Jameel nothing more than a 2nd-tier hvy, but he's not bad, and is probably the biggest guy Valuev has ever faced.

Tony Thompson was supposed to fight Krasniqi in november then in december, the first time Lun pulled out the second time Luan injured himself. This was going to be a mandatory...now Thompson cant pay anyone enough money to risk taking a fight with him....hes been turned down by holyfield, austin, briggs, byrd, and various others....Thompson is not with a promoter..which makes it even more difficult to catch a break....Can you understand that??

Absolutely. That makes alot of sense. There has just got to be a better way for Thompson though. He deserves a good payday, and unfortunately...The guy isn't getting any younger. I know it can be kind of a 'catch 22' though, and very frustrating. (This is part of what's wrong with Boxing...) But Thompson at this point...Really needs a manager/promoter. I mean, as much as I have (very) mixed feelings about Don King, it may not be a bad move to sign a deal with him at this point, if the option is there. He has to think of himself and in the near-future/present tense here. He has the opportunity to make at least one good six-figure payday - and he deserves it - but at 35...It's slipping away. Sad, unfortunate, and very frustrating indeed...

P.S - I must admit that I'm a bit curious as to who you are. (That's okay if you choose to remain anonymous) but you clearly have an 'insiders prespective' here of sorts, and are obviously very knowledgeable. (i.e. you certainly aren't your joe-average anonymous schmuck poster -- that is for certain!)

Damn I'm a little late to the party aren't I? Okay, Boytsov is not a fringe antything yet. Kertson Manswell deserves more of a mention than Boytsov damnit Bizzy!!! Okay, now kudos for Platov the kid is getting better and alongside Bidenko we could have some spoilers there. As for Virchis, Bahktov will be an easy defense and talks of a decent payday fight with Povetkin are down the road in 07', well so is a fight that I'm tryig to arrange for Povetkin and that is against Sherman Williams and then a fight with Virchis. Povetkin though, top 25 is ok with me. as for Brian's reference to Bergeron being a world-class fighter, bizzy, a little less pipe action please. Okay what else, you always know my dislike of Peter so high, but I can't really argue because he conceiveably beat Toney or at least the boxing match was much closer than it should have been. Let's see, Kevin Johnson fighting another bum-of-the-three-month club. And let's see here hmmm, oh I love the amount of money that Warriors put up to make sure Briggs/Ibragimov would go off. What else, hmmm.. Keep Boytsov off until he proves something and as for tua talks have finally started between his camp and undefeated slugger Shane Cameron.

Alright, I was going to correct my (indirect) referencing of Bergeron as a 'world-class' fighter, but once it's sent on here...You can't correct it! And I was hoping nobody would pick up on it, but low-and-behold I see a certain someone has. As for Boytsov -- I'm not suggesting putting him in the top-25, but he is a very bright and very young prospect! He represents youth and hope Ondrizek! Two things I'm beginning to run a bit short on! (lol)

P.S - Hey...How about Valuev-McCline? Out of all the 2nd-tier/echelon guys they could have picked...Why Jameel? I know he's about 37 or 38, but why in the world a guy who is 6'6" 250+ and has pretty fast hands? Not too mention pretty good skills, stamina, jab, and chin. McCline is certainly nothing great -- but I think he probably beats the big lummox. Bad move by the Russians & Germans here. A baffling one I.M.O.

bad move indeed by King and Sauerland. Hirsch dupped King and Co. I tell you what brother. They wanted a bigger name and a more respectable name who they thought was low risk. So they picked McCline, their bad. I do an official interview with McCline on Sunday, so if you want to ask him anything let me know. So it is easily conceiveable that Scott Hirsch will control half of the titles and we could through him unify the division.

Interesting...I do indeed think this was a stupid move by them. McCline is neither a big name NOR low-risk! As for questions...Ask him why he never paid Johnny Bos. (No, just kidding. Well, as far as asking him in the interview, that is.) I'll have to hit FNN here...

BTW - Brewster is recovered and will be fighting sometime in the next few months. C'mon Grant...(I've had to get on him a little this time/month) put this guy back in the top-10. * I think J.E is gone. Hopefully all is well, and he will pop in soon.

That doesn't surprise me Troy. I just didn't like the overall sounds of things particualy nor the site itself really the last few months. Sorry to hear that though. (So who are you writing for now? Lately I have just been going to ol' fightnews for my main news/updates, and Amato's and JE's for the reading and banter. And occasionally ESB.)

BTW - How much is McCline getting for this fight? (My guess would be not all that much, and that is probably part of the reason he got the fight. Smart move though, especially considering his age and the fact that he can beat this guy! I'm curious to see the odds on this one. I plan on probably putting a little on JM. I'm guessing Valuev will be a slight favorite, but I'm curious as to how much. Bos had Jameel for years as a manager/matchmaker - and that guy is pretty damn good as far as matching/predicting fights - and he is absolutely EMPHATIC that Jameel will beat him, and do so comfortably. I'm not quite as confident about that, but I think he'll probably beat him as well.)

is Snoopbee Bos? I don't know how much, but I do think it was for relative penies just to get the shot. I'm kind've back with ESB, but Mark keeps saying my stuff is too controversial. I just don't see it. I need another outlet Brian, I'm looking at you and me. A book is something I'm VERY interested in. And we do have good chemistry, something Like Michael Wilbon and Tony KornHeiser. Your Kornheiser adn I'll play Wilbon.

I'm watching Duran-Moore on VS/OLN right now. I get a stiffy everytime I see this one. Duran's defensive skills were so underrated. That's the main reason he was able to do so well at middleweight and well into his 30's. (And in fact 40's even to a point!) As for Moore -- he was a real sad and tragic story, both in and out of the ring. There are so many similarities with him and another David (David Reid) it's not even funny. However, Reid at least lived to see his 30th birthday.

Ohh...What is young Greenberg thinking??? He weighed in at 243.lbs. A career-high. At least 10.lbs too heavy, and probably about 15 or 20. Terrible and inexusable. What is going through this kid's head? He is starting to remind me more and more of a Michael Moorer.

Meke here... I think Valuev will beat McCline easily. Probably it will be similar to the last two defences. I really don't understand why the guy is so underrated - he's far from bad (and McCline is far from good!).

Maskaev defeated Okhello by a wide margin. He reportedly won nearly every round. Okhello is really nothing more than a journeymen, but I suppose credit goes out to Maskaev for beating him in such decisive fashion.

Also, Povetkin - just like Greenberg - won by impressive 3rd round KO. How about Greenberg-Povetkin in 2007? Alright...Back to reality (That fight happens no sooner than 2008 if at all I fear) Greenberg is expected to step-up the competition his next fight, and Povetkin appears to be on the fast track. He - unlike the talented-but-inconsistent Greenberg - has been nothing short of impressive, and in fact the model of consistency. (Never have to worry about his weight either. I like that. He's always in the 220-225 area.)

Ah, it would be too borning to agree all the time Cruiser! Time will tell ;) ... Hah, I can't believe that orltroy's pieces are too contraversial for ESB? I mean, just a few days ago they posted an apsolute piece of racist garbage by Michael Marley (I think) which made me womit after the first couple of lines. They took it out a couple of hours later because non of 20+ posters had to say anything positive about it. It was reassuring to see that there are some sane persons at ESB. Among them I would not count the people who own it and screen the articles though. Meke

Meke, as my uncle would say..."If I want your opinion - I'll give it to ya!" (LOL! Just kidding!)

Guys, I have heard from some very good sources that Toney is working and DIETING (Yes, dieting!) like he hasn't in years. I am expecting him to come in for the Peter rematch in weighing absolutely no more than the 220's. And if that's the case -- I think he'll win, and win decisively this time.

P.S - Yeah, silly with the Mark thing, Meke. I just don't quite get her sometimes. She's an okay guy, but she just puzzles me. (BTW - I could be wrong, but I don't think that would have been Mike MARLEY.)

Yeah, seems like that - he's had a string of articles on ESB recently and the first one you can't find anymore. I read only the first four lines and went to the comments. I couldn't continue reading it... I really don't know how they could have ever let that piece of shit find its way on ESB. I mean, some articles tehre are really bad, but none of them was so directly racists as the one by MM. Ah enough said...

Boy...Sounds pretty bad Meke. Sorry I've been gone the last few days, but I live (most of the time) in Seattle and we got hit with the grandaddy of all storms, ay least by Northwest standards. Been without power for DAYS.

Well, seems only two of us are left - all others have lives beside boxing! ;) Sorry to hear about your problem Cruiser... at least it's back just on time for xmas! I am enjoying some snow here in Sarajevo, a welcome change from rainy London.

I whish you all guys merry xmas and happy new year! It's been fun reading the articles on the site JE (as well as the comments!) and I certainly plan to visit it in the future!

Thanks Meke. We'll have to exchange emails. As for this blog/site, it get's far more readers than posters, and is more geared towards the cruisers & hvy's. As for the three main 'players' here, J.E Grant writes for Boxing Scene part-time, Troy has written for a few different sites, and as for myself...A few articles in magazines through the years, but no sites (other than a few close friends blogs) at the moment. I have gotten many offers, but am extremely picky as to what site I write for. Perhaps to a fault. This may possibly changing in the near future, however. As for ESB...I think Mark is probably a good guy (I want to think any decent human being that enjoys boxing is such) and it is an many ways an excellent site. It is very user-friendly, and gets alot of posters from all over the world. Hardcore fans, casual fans, and jackasses. As for the actual articles, some didn't believe me when I said this, but I never read probably 99% of them. Outside of a few writers, I found them to be a bit sub-par personally, and don't really have the time anyhow. I would never write articles for them due to 'creative differences'. (Two of my posts that were critical of the WBC - and there was NO profanity or racial insults involved - were deleted for some reason. It was at that point in time I knew I could never write for them. Also, on a bit of a bizarre note...There is/was a writer on there named "Karen Belford". I did read her first article - and a few subsequent ones - and just found them to be utter CRAP. I mean, just ZERO knowledge...And not even humourous in any way. I thought it was an insult to a few of the good writers on there - and the site itself - and really lambasted her and the editor on there. That was the one and only time I was briefly 'blocked'. Mark sent me an email, and said: "Do you know that you just made a 16 or 17 yr.old girl cry with your comments?" Well, upon hearing that, I kind of apologized. I don't particuraly enjoy making high-school girls sob their eyes out, nor was that really my intent. So I apologized and let it slide. And then...I saw a few of "Karen Belford's" pictures. There is NO WAY this girl/woman is a teenager! NO way! She looks like she is in her 30's, possibly even 40's. CERTAINLY no younger than 20's. So I was like...Huh Mark? WTF? I take that little apology back. (Any writer over-18 is 'fair-game' as far as I'm concerned.) Anyhow, it was just kind of bizarre and left a strange taste in my mouth, but I do still hit the site occasionally. *Shrugs shoulders*

P.S - As for this blog, I'm sad to report that there will probably be far less articles/action on it for the year of 2007. J.E will be on an important assignment for the next 12 months in a land far away. I do however expect him back at the beginning of 2008, and back full-speed ahead. (Ya' listening Grant? My quality of life has taken a slight dip since you've been gone!)

The top-25 hvy list is the most accurate, reasonable, and in-depth hvy list you will find anywhere in my opinion. I challenge and defy anyone to say otherwise. Aside from perhaps a few minor changes with slots on occasion, I wouldn't change anything, and could do no better.

I've been gone entirely too long from here. Greenberg was looking a little sluggish in his win and the other guy won the first round decisively and the second round he won in a closer fashion. Then Greenberg hit him with a clean one-two down the pipe and game over. I will say there Bizzy that I in no way can conceive Greenberg defeating Povetkin at this juncture or in the immediate future, too far to go and too heavy at that. I still roll with McCline over Valuev and I am up in the air about Briggs/Ibragimov. Briggs and Ibragimov's weaknesses play into the others strengths. As for the racist piece Meke was talking about, it was Mike Marley and it was utter shit. I called Marley up and harrassed him for it and I got a basic "so fucking what" from him. I hope JE stays safe abroad and does continue to keep writing, I always look forward to his pieces, but I understand if there are more pressing concerns for him. Just when you get back JE, your writing again, there is no debate in that regard.

GREAT to see you J.E! (And the above article/prediction which I will soon read! I will also check my email tonight. Stay safe and happy holidays. Great to see you, and look forward to you coming home.)

T.O- I wouldn't say that Greenberg has 'too far' to go, but he has admittedly been a bit streaky and inconsistent, unlike the solid Povetkin. His weight has also been a bit too heavy, but I'm told that will be down a little in 2007. 2007 a very important year for him, and it's also important he avoids the 'injury-bug'.

KOSE I. -DAVID TUA IS BACK. THERE IS NO HEAVYWEIGHT BOXER OUT THERE THAT CAN KNOCK HIM OUT.ALL YOU CRITICS WILL BE FORCED TO SHUT UP WHEN HE EVENTUALLY RETAINS THE TITLE.GO TUAMAN SHOW THAT SAMOAN PRIDE.

"Retains the title"??? WHAT title??? (There are at least four unfortunately, and possibly as many as a dozen...) And as far as 'retaining' or 'regaining' for that matter, I'm confused. However, you may have something right there; he does have one hell of a good chin, and may not be able to be KO'd! (lol)

* I've always liked Tua, and he can certainly punch and will always be dangerous, but I can't take him too seriously until he takes himself and boxing a bit more seriously. (i.e. gets more active, and get's his weight down to the 220's or 230's absolute max.)

Tony Thompson will FINALLY be back in action on February 16 against Timor Ibragimov (Sultan's cousin) in a bout held at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA. You can hear an interview with him on my blog, Boxing Along The Beltway.

Tony Thompson will FINALLY be back in action on February 16 against Timor Ibragimov (Sultan's cousin) in a bout held at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA. You can hear an interview with him on my blog, Boxing Along The Beltway.